BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:45 P.M.) – Another large convoy of reinforcements arrived in the Deir Ezzor Governorate, Wednesday, following orders from the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) High Command to strengthen the forces already deployed in-and-around the provincial capital.

The fresh reinforcements will aid the Syrian Republican Guard and Tiger Forces in launching the third phase of the Deir Ezzor offensive, which will concentrate on the provincial capital.

Unlike the previous phases, this upcoming assault on the provincial capital will prove to be the most strenuous as the Islamic State (ISIL) forces in the area will be able to use the condensed neighborhoods of Deir Ezzor City to their advantage.

While a large number of tanks have been deployed to Deir Ezzor, the Syrian Arab Army will still need to utilize much of their infantry personnel as they attempt to retake several districts in the provincial capital.